Government has not given right to release data to anyone: Prasad

New Delhi, Aug 24 - Affirming India's priority on data protection, IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government does not give the right to release data to anyone, except in case of compelling public interest.

"As the IT minister of the country, I can't give my data or finger print to anyone. Government does not give the right to release data to anyone, except in case of compelling public interest and this compelling public interest shall be affirmed first by the Joint Secretary Home Ministry, vetted by a committee of the Cabinet Secretary, IT Secretary and Law," Prasad said.

He was addressing media persons about the government's stand on the right to privacy following the apex court's judgement declaring privacy a fundamental right under the Constitution.

"Let me clarify, the Narendra Modi government is very proud to be seen as India's digital power. And India is today recognised worldwide as an emerging digital power for Digital India, Make in India.

"There are 118 crore mobile connections. There are 50 crore internet connections. India will be a global digital power and we can take good care of our cyber security and safety. I am very happy that all the big international companies are coming to India in a big way. There is Google, Facebook, WhatsApp... they are all welcome," he added.

The Supreme Court ruling, by a nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar, will have a bearing on the challenge to the validity of the Aadhaar scheme on the grounds of it being violative of the right to privacy.

Prasad asserted that like all other fundamental rights, the right to privacy is also not an absolute right.

Saying that data protection is one of the key focus of the government, the minister said the government had already formed a committee for data protection.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted an experts committee to study and identify key data protection issues and recommend methods for addressing them.

The committee, headed by the Supreme Court's former Judge B.N. Srikrishna, was constituted on July 31, 2017. The committee comprises members from the government, academia and industry.

"The committee will also suggest a draft Data Protection Bill. Protection of data is expected to provide a big boost to the digital economy of the country," the government said earlier in a statement.

Tag Cloud

Tags

About Us

The Finapolis helps you grow your money. We offer insightful journalism, credible research and actionable advice suitable to every Indian taxpayer, making us a one stop destination for your personal finance needs.

Disclaimer

The technical studies / analysis discussed here can be at odds with our fundamental views / analysis. The information and views presented in this report are prepared by Karvy Consultants Limited. The information contained herein is based on our analysis and upon sources that we consider reliable. We, however, do not vouch for the accuracy or the completeness thereof. This material is for personal information and we are not responsible for any loss incurred based upon it. The investments discussed or recommended in this report may not be suitable for all investors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific investment objectives and financial position and using such independent advice, as they believe necessary. While acting upon any information or analysis mentioned in this report, investors may please note that neither Karvy nor Karvy Consultants nor any person connected with any associate companies of Karvy accepts any liability arising from the use of this information and views mentioned in this document. The author, directors and other employees of Karvy and its affiliates may hold long or short positions in the above mentioned companies from time to time. Every employee of Karvy and its associate companies is required to disclose his/her individual stock holdings and details of trades, if any, that they undertake. The team rendering corporate analysis and investment recommendations are restricted in purchasing/selling of shares or other securities till such a time this recommendation has either been displayed or has been forwarded to clients of Karvy. All employees are further restricted to place orders only through Karvy Consultants Ltd. This report is intended for a restricted audience and we are not soliciting any action based on it. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed herein constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities, or any options, futures or other derivatives related to such securities.